New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ vs OG FJ Cruiser: How Do They Stack Up?

The Toyota FJ Cruiser became UAE’s one of the most recognisable off-road SUVs. Its retro design, naturally aspirated V6, and proper 4×4 hardware made it especially popular among dune-bashing enthusiasts.

The original FJ Cruiser eventually left the UAE market with the 2023 Final Edition. After three years, Toyota has brought back the FJ name in a very different form. The new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ has officially launched in the UAE, starting from AED 139,900.

Despite the familiar badge and retro-inspired styling, this is not simply a second-generation FJ Cruiser. The new Land Cruiser FJ is smaller, uses a different platform, gets five conventional doors and replaces the old 4.0-litre V6 with a 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine.

So, how much of the original formula remains? More importantly, should UAE buyers choose the brand-new Land Cruiser FJ or look for an original FJ Cruiser on the used market?

Quick Data Snapshot

Design & Road Presence

The original FJ Cruiser was designed as a modern interpretation of classic Land Cruisers, particularly the FJ40. Round headlights, an upright windscreen, a contrasting roof, chunky wheelarches and a rear-mounted spare wheel gave it a design unlike almost anything else Toyota sold.

Its connection to Toyota’s older 4x4s becomes clearer when looking through the history and generations of the Toyota Land Cruiser.

The new Land Cruiser FJ takes the retro theme in another direction. It retains an upright stance, squared wheel arches, short overhangs and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, but the overall design is more closely related to Toyota’s current Land Cruiser family.

The styling also hides more function. Its three-piece bumpers use separately replaceable corner sections, which could reduce the cost of repairing minor off-road damage.

The original remains the more unusual-looking SUV. The new FJ is more conventional, but it still has enough character to stand apart from regular crossovers.

Size & Platform

The two SUVs are surprisingly close in overall length, but the new FJ is noticeably more compact in several important areas. At 4,610mm long, it is only 60mm shorter than the original. However, it is 50mm narrower, and its 2,580mm wheelbase is 110mm shorter.

This should make a noticeable difference in tight parking spaces, narrow trails and technical off-road sections. The new FJ also has a claimed turning radius of 5.5 metres. Both use body-on-frame construction, but they do not share the same foundations.

The original FJ Cruiser was closely related to Toyota’s Prado architecture. Those interested in how that side of Toyota’s 4×4 family developed can read our complete history of the Toyota Prado.

The new Land Cruiser FJ instead uses an IMV-derived ladder-frame platform. Toyota first detailed this setup when the Land Cruiser FJ was globally unveiled.

Cabin Experience

This is where the age difference becomes obvious. The original FJ Cruiser cabin was designed around durability rather than luxury. Large controls, simple instrumentation and hard-wearing materials suited its off-road character. Late UAE models received modern additions such as a large infotainment display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the basic interior design remained from another era.

The new Land Cruiser FJ feels significantly more modern. Both UAE variants get a 7-inch TFT information display, 12.3-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and push-button start.

The GXR adds synthetic leather upholstery, a leather steering wheel and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat. Visibility should also be better. Thick pillars and small rear windows were among the original FJ Cruiser’s biggest everyday weaknesses. The new model uses a lower beltline and more upright glass area to improve the driver’s view outside.

Space & Practicality

The biggest difference is not necessarily cargo volume. It is access. The original FJ Cruiser used two conventional front doors and small rear-hinged access doors. They gave the SUV character, but using the second row regularly could become frustrating, especially in tight parking spaces.

The new FJ has four conventional passenger doors. That alone makes it considerably easier for families, rear-seat passengers and anyone regularly carrying children.

The new FJ offers up to around 765 litres of cargo capacity, while the original provides approximately 790 litres. The difference in luggage space is therefore relatively small.

However, the new model’s more conventional five-door layout makes its available space easier to use.

Features & Technology

The original FJ Cruiser was built around simplicity. That remains part of its appeal, but buyers moving between these two SUVs will immediately notice the difference in equipment.

The new FJ offers features such as a digital driver display, wireless smartphone connectivity, a panoramic-view monitor on the GXR and a much broader range of driver-assistance technology.

Toyota Safety Sense equipment on the GXR includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Safety, Lane Departure Alert and automatic high-beam functions. Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also available.

The original has the essentials, including stability control, tyre-pressure monitoring, rear parking sensors and cruise control, but it cannot match the new model’s active-safety package.

Performance & Driving Feel

This is where the original FJ Cruiser fights back strongly. Its 4.0-litre naturally aspirated V6 produces 270hp and 380Nm and is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The new FJ uses a 2.7-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 164hp and 245Nm, connected to a 6-speed automatic.

That gives the original:

• 106hp more power
• 135Nm more torque

Those are significant differences. The new FJ’s six-speed transmission gives it another ratio to work with, and its smaller size should make it easier to place on narrow roads and trails. However, you can’t escape the power difference.

The V6 should feel much stronger during motorway acceleration, overtaking and particularly dune driving. The new 2.7-litre engine instead focuses on simplicity, predictable power delivery, and proven Toyota mechanicals.

Interestingly, the original FJ remained available in the Middle East long after disappearing from many international markets. At one point, it was one of only a handful of markets still selling the FJ Cruiser.

Fuel Efficiency & Range

Despite losing two cylinders and considerable displacement, the new model doesn’t gain much in official fuel efficiency. The new FJ is rated at 10.1km/L, while the final UAE-spec original FJ Cruiser was rated at 9.8km/L.

The major difference is fuel capacity. The original used a huge 159-litre dual-tank arrangement with 72-litre and 87-litre tanks. The new FJ has a 63-litre tank.

For everyday UAE driving, carrying nearly 160 litres of petrol is hardly necessary. However, the original setup provides a major advantage during long desert trips and remote touring. The new FJ will require considerably more frequent fuel stops.

Off-Road Capability

Neither SUV is simply a road-going crossover with all-wheel drive. The new Land Cruiser FJ gets part-time 4WD with high and low range, a locking rear differential, Hill Start Assist and Downhill Assist Control.

Its short 2,580mm wheelbase, 245mm ground clearance and compact footprint should help on rocky trails and tight technical sections.

The original also gets part-time 4WD, a locking rear differential and proven off-road hardware. Depending on specification, it also offered A-TRAC and Crawl Control.

Its approach and departure angles, suspension travel and short body made it a capable recreational 4×4, which is one reason the FJ Cruiser still appears in our guide to the best off-road SUVs in the UAE.

However, UAE off-roading often means dunes rather than slow rock crawling. Here, power matters. The original FJ Cruiser’s 270hp V6 gives drivers considerably more power to maintain momentum on steep climbs and soft sand. 

This becomes even more useful with additional passengers, larger tyres or aftermarket equipment. The new FJ’s shorter wheelbase gives it an advantage on tight trails, but the old model has the stronger powertrain for high-energy dune driving.

Ownership In The UAE

The new Land Cruiser FJ starts at AED 139,900 for the EXR and AED 154,900 for the GXR. That is notable because the original FJ Cruiser started at around AED 156,900 during its final model year, while the Final Edition was priced at AED 174,900.

Buying the new model also brings the benefits of a brand-new vehicle, including a manufacturer warranty, no previous off-road history and the latest safety equipment. The original FJ Cruiser is now a used-car purchase.

Condition matters enormously. Many examples have spent significant time off-road, while others have been heavily modified. A thorough inspection of the chassis, suspension, drivetrain and underbody is particularly important. On the other hand, used examples can offer access to the V6-powered FJ experience for much less than a brand-new Land Cruiser FJ.

Daily Driving In The UAE

For everyday UAE driving, the new Land Cruiser FJ is far easier to live with. Its smaller footprint, better visibility and conventional rear doors improve practicality, while newer technology adds another advantage. 

Features such as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, panoramic-view monitor, Blind Spot Monitoring and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control make daily commuting more comfortable and convenient. The OG FJ feels more basic and less refined, despite offering stronger V6 performance.

Verdict

The new Land Cruiser FJ is the better fit for buyers who want a modern, practical 4×4 with improved safety, comfort and everyday usability. The OG FJ Cruiser still stands out for its 4.0-litre V6, stronger dune performance and long-range touring ability. Both deliver genuine off-road capability, but they suit different buyers: the new FJ favours daily use, while the original remains more appealing to enthusiasts.

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